Robbie Gallagher (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I am heartened by what our guests outlined is the procedure within their schools. I appreciate Mr. Goff's and Mr. Golden's points and their experience, given that they have been school principals for a long period. On the face of it, there seems to be a conflict, although that might be too strong a word, between their contributions and those we heard earlier. I am heartened that when reduced timetables are implemented, it is a last resort, subject to agreement with the parents. According to the first presentations, however, it seems that is not always the case. Our guests might comment on that.

I stated earlier that the finger is being pointed in schools' direction, which is unfair. We have learned in the meeting that schools do not have the necessary machinery or infrastructure to do the job properly. The system is failing not just the parents and children involved but also the schools, teachers and principals. The Department appears to be turning its back on the issue, given that it does not seem to want to know the scale of the problem, not to mention try to address the problem, which is worrying. Based on what we have heard in the meeting, it is clear the finger is being pointed in the correct direction, namely, at the Department. It is within the Department's gift to find a solution, which we all seek. As Mr. Goff outlined, a simple measure such as a pod, returned every so often with information on the scale of the problem and on how it is being addressed, would be a natural first step. As a committee, I am sure we will take that on board and include it as one of our recommendations.

Our guests spoke of the impact of reduced timetables on the child, which is an important issue. Children nowadays are under more pressure than ever. Being segregated in any way would have a serious impact on the child's future well-being, which we must be conscious of.

I am heartened by the fact that it is a last resort and that, by and large, it is done in consultation with parents.

I thank our guests for their contributions. I am a lot wiser that I was before the meeting. We will have to follow the issue up with the Department to get some direction. We need to find the extent of the problem and then to implement measures to address it.